Ireland, Royal Irish Constabulary History & Directories

Did your ancestor serve with the Royal Irish Constabulary? If so, take your research further: discover more about the history of the organisation, read through the Royal Irish Constabulary training manual, or find your ancestor’s name on a list of commendations.

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According to The Royal Irish Constabulary Manual or Guide to the Discharge of Police Duties, the force was responsible for ‘the prevention and detection of crime, the security of life and property, and the preservation of the public peace and good order’. Explore multiple publications printed between 1840 and 1921. These publications will provide further insight into the administration and daily operations of the police force as well as the history of the organisation. Material has come from both Eneclann and The National Archives HO 184 series.

Circulars

Circulars were issued from time to time and were considered either temporary or permanent. A temporary circular meant that it required immediate response. A permanent circular was designated as a general order to be adopted across the force. The circulars you will find here relate to individual branches or finance. For example, a branch circular from April 1903 was sent out to the branches to announce that an RIC Cycling Club would be meeting in Athlone. You will also find circulars from the inspector general.

Constabulary code

The constabulary code holds the rules and regulations for the government and the guidance of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Subjects within the code book include apprehension of disorderly people, ammunition storage, punctuality, and completing outrage reports. The code explains that, ‘the members of the establishment should keep in mind, that the Constabulary, are a preventive as well as repressive force; that the prevention of crime is of even greater importance than the punishment of criminals’.

Salary scales ready reckoner

Three editions of salary scales are available from 1873, 1876, and 1897. The tables display the amount of pay for all ranks and classes, as well as lodging and medical allowances.

Treasury authority books

There are multiple editions of treasury authority books available. The books relate to the financial duties of officers and the regulation of payment for salaries and allowances.

The History of the Royal Irish Constabulary by Robert Curtis, published by McGlashan & Gill in 1871

Robert Curtis was a county inspector with the Royal Irish Constabulary. In this publication, Curtis traced the history of policing in Ireland from the 1780s through to 1871. He records the formation of the Peace Preservation Force and then further structural changes to establish the Irish Constabulary. Subjects include the suppression of the fenian rebellion, instances of bravery by constables, and the character of the Constabulary.

The Royal Irish Constabulary Manual or Guide to the Discharge of Police Duties, 6th Edition published by Alex. Thom & Co. in 1909

This instruction manual for the training of officers and men was originally created by Sir John Stewart Wood, Inspector General of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) in 1866. Eleven years later, this sixth edition was updated by Inspector R Sparrow and printed. The manual instructed RIC members on dealing with offences, the laws of Ireland, an RIC member’s duties and responsibilities, and the many aspects of the detection and prevention of crime.

The collection includes lists and directories from 1840 to 1921. All publications include a full list of the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary at the time it was printed. Other lists recorded promotions, deployments, and commendations of members. The publication also includes the names of those serving with the Dublin Metropolitan Police and Coast Guard Service, as well as those serving as magistrates and judges.